Celtic Roots Festival returns to Goderich for its 33rd year

From the dancing on the stage to making a special childhood memory, there’s something for everyone at the Celtic Roots Festival.

Musicians from around the world are making their way to Goderich, drawn by the renowned Celtic Roots Festival, and a promise of music, connection and lakeside sunsets. 

Goderich’s annual Celtic Roots Festival returns on August 9 and will run to August 11.

The celebration remains a valued tradition within the lakeside community and Cheryl Prashker- artistic director and general manager for the Celtic Roots Festival says the event only keeps growing. 

“I hope that people seeing the event for the first time fall in love with the town of Goderich and get to escape for a few hours with the music, the craft and the food,” said Prashker. 

“The townspeople are very proud of their history and location; they love volunteering and supporting local events.”

A three-day celebration of Celtic, Irish, Scottish, and Canadian East Coast continues to attract local and non-local musicians from around the world. Prashker says that she’s excited for audiences to experience the line-up of musical talent that will be hitting the stage this year. 

The opening ceremony will be kicked off by Celtic Academic Irish Dance Canada. Musical melodies will echo throughout the weekend from the talented James Keelaghan, along with the famous MacMaster Leahy Family, and the fan-favourite The Kane Sisters. A dance stage will also be featured for attendees to join in on the fun. 

Aspiring musicians will have the opportunity to learn from the industry a week before the festival at The Celtic College.

The week-long classes will connect students with professionals from the business forming lifelong connections through their passion for music and education. During this time, free concerts will take place in the square from Monday through Thursday beginning at 7:30 p.m. 

“We have about 250 attendees who take classes all day with our musicians. They learn everything from whistling to dancing, crafts, singing, and guitar. There are classes for everybody at different intermediate levels,” said Prashker.

“Through these classes and concerts, lifelong friendships are created, this is very special to the musicians.” 

Tickets will be available on the website and at the gate. Along with experiencing various musical numbers from around the world, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in Irish and Celtic dishes that add another layer of immersion in the Celtic culture.

From government grants to local volunteers, Prashker makes it known that the event would not be possible without the two crucial components.

Government grants and support from the townspeople are two of the key aspects that have allowed the festival to thrive for 33 years. 

“The local volunteers and the passion they have for the event is absolutely extraordinary,” said Prashker.

“The festival is very family friendly, and it is a listening festival, and people will be hearing incredible music from around the world. Oh, and the beautiful sunsets don’t hurt either.”